Types of Braces & Appliances
Traditional Metal Braces
This is the type of bracket that you are probably most familiar with.
Clear Self-ligating
Our clear self-ligating brackets provide an aesthetic alternative to our traditional metal brackets. The term self-ligating means that the orthodontic wire is held in place with a door rather than a traditional color elastic tie. Some studies have shown this door provides less friction than elastic ties when moving teeth, which may lead to faster initial movement.
Herbst Appliance (bite correction)
The Herbst is an appliance worn inside the mouth designed to help correct certain types of jaw discrepancies. If your child has an overbite, sometimes simple treatment with braces will not correct the problem. The Herbst appliance, usually in conjunction with braces, is used to help the lower jaw develop in a forward direction. This eventually leads to an ideal bite. Left untreated, an improper bite may threaten the long-term health of your child’s teeth, gums, and jaw.
A Herbst appliance is fixed to your child’s molars. It includes a metal tube that connects the upper and lower jaw. By adjusting the tube, your orthodontist is able to control the jaw’s position in relation to the upper teeth. Typical treatment time with a Herbst appliance is 12 months, though this may vary depending on your child’s unique needs.
Forsus Appliance (bite correction)
Similar in function to the Herbst Appliance, The Forsus™ Fatigue Resistant Device is an appliance worn inside the mouth designed to help correct jaw discrepancies that create an overbite. This appliance continuously applies light force without any need to make daily changes or adjustments. It is an open-coil spring, so it is easy to brush clean and because it is positioned in the back of the mouth, it is not very visible to others. In addition, patients will be able to open their mouths wider than with other treatment options.
Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE)
The Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) is an appliance that is designed to expand your palate in an effort to help resolve excess crowding, crossbites, and narrow arches. The appliance is usually turned daily with a key to help facilitate the expansion. It usually remains in the mouth from 6-9 months but can vary.
Invisalign & Invisalign Teen
Invisalign is an innovative clear aligner system that uses preprogrammed aligners to move your teeth. It is easy to use and its comfort goes unmatched when compared to traditional braces. Click here for more information.